Abstract: The invention relates to a system for protecting a portable computing device wherein the system comprises a device housing adapted to protectively encase a portable computing device, a protectively hardened user input device in communication with the device housing, and a protectively hardened display in communication with the device housing. When the portable computing device is encased within the device housing, a user of the portable computing device can operate the portable computing device via the protectively hardened user input device and the protectively hardened display. The device housing may further comprise sealing elements, insulating elements, and shock-absorbing elements.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a computer program product, device, and method. In an example method, at least one of one or more processors of a device including one or more wired connectors and a wireless communication device receive a video output from a computing device via at least one of one or more wired connectors. At least one of the one or more processors send the video output to a wireless-enabled device via the wireless communication device using a wireless communication protocol. At least one of the one or more processors receive a keyboard or mouse input from the wireless-enabled device via the wireless communication device using the wireless communication protocol. At least one of the one or more processors send the keyboard or mouse input to the computing device via at least one of the one or more wired connectors.

Abstract: To address the need for efficient and reliable testing of integrated devices, system on chips, and computers, deterministic behavior for an interface is accomplished by fixing variation in latency associated with receiver and transmitter data stream. The interface may be a serial interface that is PCIe compliant and corrects latency variations in the receiver that consequently results in deterministic transmit data. Consequently, the data received and/or transmitted is predictable with respect to time and facilitates testing and validation of the devices and logic associated with the interface.

Abstract: A peripheral device includes a file system manager, a command interpreter, and a controller. The peripheral device receives file access commands from a host device. The file system manager determines if the file access commands have embedded control commands and, if so, extracts the control commands. The file system manager sends the control commands to the command interpreter. Based on analyzing the commands, the command interpreter causes the controller to perform a selected function at the peripheral device.

Abstract: Techniques for providing compatibility between two different game controllers are disclosed. When a new or more advanced controller is introduced, it is important that such a new controller works with a system originally configured for an existing or old controller. The new controller may provide more functionalities than the old one does. In some cases, the new controller provides more sensing signals than the old one does. The new controller is configured to work with the system to transform the sensing signals therefrom to masquerade as though they were coming from the old controller. The transforming of the sensing signals comprises: replicating operational characteristics of the old controller, and relocating virtually the sensing signals to appear as though the sensing signals were generated from inertial sensors located in a certain location in the new controller responsive to a certain location of the inertial sensors in the old controller.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for status information saving among multiple computers. In one embodiment, a selected computer is operated using a plurality of input/output devices over switched input/output signal paths passing through a KVM (keyboard video mouse) switch positioned between the selected computer and the plurality of input/output devices. Status data is carried over signal paths passing through the KVM switch wherein the status data represents status information for a plurality of computers connected to the KVM switch. The status data passing through the KVM switch is stored in a memory coupled to the KVM switch. Other embodiments are described and claimed. Other embodiments are contemplated, depending upon the particular application.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bridge circuit and system are disclosed that may allow for converting transactions from one communication protocol to another. The bridge circuit may be coupled to a first bus employing a first communication protocol, and a second bus employing a second communication protocol. The bridge circuit may be configured to receive transactions over the first bus and store parameters associated with the received transactions. The bridge circuit may be further configured to modify the received transaction, convert the modified transaction to the second communication protocol, and transmit the converted transaction over the second bus.

Abstract: A method for sending a keycode of a non-keyboard apparatus is provided and includes the following steps. The non-keyboard apparatus determines the connection status between itself and a computer by the time required for device enumeration. Then, according to a value generated from device enumeration, the non-keyboard apparatus identifies the kind of operating system running on the computer. The non-keyboard apparatus sends to the computer a keycode corresponding to the Num Lock key and/or a keycode corresponding to the Caps Lock key such that a sending time and a feedback time are obtained. A parameter related to the efficiency of the computer is then calculated based.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the operating condition of a peripheral device based on the mode of interconnection of the peripheral device of a host device. The apparatus includes a first connector for connecting the peripheral device, a second connector for connecting the host device and a coupling system operatively interconnecting contacts of the first connector and contacts of the second connector. The coupling system is further configured to provide a supply signal to the peripheral device via the first connector, wherein the supply signal is at least in part indicative of one or more characteristics of the power available to the peripheral device from the host device. The supply signal may provide a means for the peripheral device to control operation thereof in light of the characteristics of the power available.

Abstract: A method of chaining a plurality of engines for a system on chip (SOC) controller device and a SOC controller device are disclosed herein. The method comprises: generating, at an initiator, a super-descriptor for providing instructions to the plurality of engines of the SOC controller; passing the super-descriptor from the initiator to a first engine of the plurality of engines; and executing a portion of the super-descriptor at each of the plurality of engines in series without the intervention of the initiator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for detecting hidden ghost keys on a keyboard matrix. The keyboard matrix is composed of multiple rows crossing with multiple lines that form multiple key-locating positions. The method comprises: selecting multiple preset keys from the matrix; detecting ghost keys among the matrix based on the selected preset keys; selecting multiple examining keys from the preset keys and the detected ghost keys, based on that at least one ghost key is included in the examining keys; and determining hidden ghost keys based on the examining keys. The system detects ghost keys among the matrix via a preset key selecting unit and a ghost key detecting unit, which selects multiple examining keys via an examining key selecting unit, and determines hidden ghost keys based on the examining keys through a hidden ghost keys detecting unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for processing calls. A call is received at a softswitch or other call processing system from a caller intended for a first subscriber. The first call is associated with signaling information, the signaling information including a phone number associated with the caller. A determination is made as to whether the first subscriber has previously received a call associated with the caller phone number at the softswitch. If the first subscriber has not previously received a call associated with the caller phone number at the softswitch, a first message is played to the caller. An indication that the first message was played to the caller is stored in association with an account record associated with the first subscriber.

Abstract: An embodiment may include circuitry to (a) convert, at least in part, at least one serial storage protocol compatible frame into at least one packet that is compatible, at least in part, with a multi-lane input/output (I/O) protocol, and/or (b) convert, at least in part, the at least one packet into the at least one frame. The at least one packet may be transmitted via a physical layer that is compatible, at least in part, with the multi-lane I/O protocol. The at least one packet may comprise frame information structure (FIS) information of the at least one frame.

Abstract: An electronic Input/Output Interface and device abstraction system used in gaming machines includes: a game central processing unit (game “CPU”); an intelligent input/output controller board (“IOCB”); an Industry Standard Architecture PC bus (“ISA” bus); and a framed message transport protocol. The IOCB facilitates communications between the game CPU and virtual device services, which are peripheral devices associated with the gaming system. The game CPU communicates to gaming peripherals by sending virtual device messages across the ISA bus to the IOCB. The IOCB routes virtual device messages to appropriate virtual device services. Virtual device services are responsible for handling specific hardware, and include virtual device drivers on the game CPU that communicate with virtual devices on the IOCB. Use of the IOCB and the high speed interface enables the game CPU to use more of its available functions for controlling gaming functions rather than one operation of its associated peripheral devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for alleviating processing requirements of a central computer in a vessel. Each apparatus is placed in close proximity to one or more pieces of electronic equipment implementing a legacy interface. The apparatus processes data to and from the electronic equipment, including converting data to formats consistent with the formats used by the intended recipient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of players, and provides a portable multimedia player includes a housing; an integrated circuit module received in the housing for playing multimedia; a storage device interface electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, and configured to connect to an external storage device; and a male HDMI connector electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, configured to be connected to a female HDMI of an external display device. The multimedia function of the external display device is expanded by connecting the male HDMI 11 to the female HDMI of the external display device. The portable multimedia player is connected to the display device without any corresponding interface cable, such that it affords convenient using to users and beautiful appearance.

Abstract: A KVM switch includes: a first input portion and a second input portion that inputs a plurality of video signals from the first and the second information processing apparatus, respectively; a converting portion that converts the video signals input from the first or second input portion into a plurality of pieces of image data which are capable of being displayed on a remote terminal; a transmitting and receiving portion that transmits the pieces of converted image data to the remote terminal, and receives various requests from the remote terminal; and a switching portion that switches the video signals input from the first input portion to the video signals input from the second input portion when the transmitting and receiving portion receives a switching request for switching from a first information processing apparatus to a second information processing apparatus from the remote terminal.

Abstract: An input method for communications terminals, including: a communications terminal configured with a touch screen sends an input request message; a communications terminal configured with a keyboard returns an input acceptance message to the communications terminal configured with a touch screen; the communications terminal configured with a touch screen establishes a communications link with the communications terminal configured with a keyboard; the communications terminal configured with a keyboard generates input content, obtains a data packet through processing, and sends the data packet to the communications terminal configured a the touch screen through the communications link; the communications terminal configured with a touch screen processes the data packet to obtain the input content. The input speed and accuracy for a touch-screen mobile phone are improved, thereby solving the problem that the input experience on a touch-screen communications terminal is poor.

Abstract: In one example, a control panel system for a printer includes a portable control panel configured to receive user input to control printer functions and a stationary control panel configured to receive user input to control printer functions. In this example, the portable control panel has a wireless connector for making a wireless connection to the printer. In another example, a control panel system for a device (for example a printer) includes: a portable control panel; a stationary control touch panel; a dock configured to receive the portable control panel; and a feature configured to inhibit the portable control panel from triggering touch sensitive buttons on the stationary control panel during docking and undocking. In this example, the stationary control touch panel is hidden from view by the portable control panel and inaccessible to the user when the portable control panel is docked.

Abstract: A computer receives user entry of a sequence of keypresses, representing an intended series of letters collectively spelling-out some or all of a desired textual object. Resolution of the intended series of letters and the desired textual object is ambiguous, however, because some or all of the key presses individually represent multiple letters. The computer interprets the keypresses utilizing concurrent, competing strategies, including one-keypress-per-letter and multi-tap interpretations. The computer displays a combined output of proposed interpretations and completions from both strategies.

Abstract: A host-peripheral adaptor includes a host adaptor and a portable peripheral adaptor. The host adaptor includes a substantially flat peripheral-adaptor-side interface. The peripheral-adaptor-side interface is designed in a way that it is not easy to tamper with. The portable peripheral adaptor includes a host-adaptor-side interface that is designed to operatively connect to the peripheral-adaptor-side interface of the host adaptor. The portable peripheral adaptor also includes one or more peripheral-side interfaces for accommodating one or more peripheral devices such as a storage media. The portable peripheral adaptor and the host adaptor include a set of data lines and the host adaptor also includes circuitry for recognizing the specific type of a peripheral device and, based on its specific type, for setting a suitable communication path to transfer data between a host and the peripheral device.

Abstract: A method for transferring digital content, involving defining a first region of space associated with a first device and a second region of space associated with a second device, wherein the first device includes digital content to be transferred to the second device, performing a first action within the first region, obtaining the digital content to be transferred from the first device in response to performing the first action to obtain captured digital content, performing a second action within the second region, and transferring the captured digital content to the second device in response to performing the second action.

Abstract: A web configurable human input device is provided. The device includes at least one mechanical control element having a dynamically alterable appearance. In some embodiments, the appearance of the at least one mechanical control element is dynamically altered in response to the execution of an input device web script. An example of such a web configurable human input device is an active keyboard in which the at least one mechanical control element having a dynamically alterable appearance is one of an array of keys of the active keyboard. When the active keyboard is connected to a web-enabled device, at least one key of the array of keys is configured to alter its appearance in response to the execution of the input device web script.

Abstract: A consumer media player is configured to be electronically coupled to various different types of media source devices, extract media files from those media source devices, and play the extracted media files to a consumer. The consumer media player is also configured to physically hold all or part of one or more media source devices in a manner that facilitates electronic coupling of the media source device to the consumer media player and that provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the consumer. In particular, the consumer media player includes a cavity that can hold at least a portion of the media source device. In one of the embodiments described herein, at least some types of media source devices can be entirely physically stored within the cavity in the consumer media player.

Abstract: A system is presented for interconnecting a single user console having user interface devices, including a console keyboard, a console video display unit, a console mouse, and speakers, to a plurality of host computers each capable of using user interface devices, including a keyboard, a video display unit, and a mouse, and allowing the user to access one or more of the host computers from the single user console. The video output from each of the host computers is scaled and cropped as appropriate so that the video output of each host may be simultaneously displayed as host computer “windows” on the console video display unit or overlaid with the background suppressed to display application windows from multiple hosts on a single screen.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of calibrating a memory interface are described. Calibrating a memory interface can include loading and outputting units of a first data pattern into and from at least a portion of a register to generate a first read capture window. Units of a second data pattern can be loaded into and output from at least the portion of the register to generate a second read capture window. One of the first read capture window and the second read capture window can be selected and a data capture point for the memory interface can be calibrated according to the selected read capture window.

Abstract: A system enabling a computer user to securely share a single set of keyboard and mouse (KM) among multiple isolated computers. The system enables one set of peripheral devices to independently interact with multiple coupled isolated computers through mouse position analysis on a virtual display area corresponding to multiple physical user displays of the particular installation. The system may be used to enable computer user having multiple isolated computers each with one or more coupled display to automatically switch a single set of keyboard mouse and other peripheral devices between the different computers. As isolated computers may have different security levels, the method and apparatus of the present invention prevents and potential data leakages between computers and coupled networks.

Abstract: Techniques for use in processing user data associated with a user account of a mobile device having an application is described. The mobile device includes a memory and an interface configured to receive a removable memory card. A encryption/decryption key is stored in the memory, but is not stored in the removable memory card. The mobile device regularly receives and stores updates to the user data in the memory for use in the application. For updates to the user data, the mobile device updates a copy of the user data stored in the removable memory card in an encrypted format in accordance with the encryption/decryption key.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for hosting storage media devices using multi-port devices having a plurality of ports. For example, in one embodiment, a method of operating a multi-port device includes detecting whether a host device or a storage media device is connected to a first port of the multi-port device or a second port of the multi-port device. The method also includes, if the host device is connected to the first port, configuring the first port as a slave port and operating the multi-port device as a slave hosted by the host device. The method also includes, if the host device is connected to the second port and the storage media device is connected to the first port, configuring the first port as a host port and hosting the storage media device from the multi-port device.

Abstract: A serial interface circuit which can adapt to various frame formats to reduce the load on a CPU. The interface circuit includes a rewritable control register used for programmably specifying a field structure to be targeted for processing out of structures of fields preceding a data field of a frame as defined by a communication protocol. The interface circuit analyzes the field structure preceding the data field according to a setting of the control register. When a destination of a received frame is determined to match an expected value, the interface circuit issues a request for the CPU to process the data field information. After a setting is made on the control register, the serial interface circuit can adapt to various formats of frames as defined by a communication protocol according to the information held there, and can also analyze a destination.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for adapting an input/output interface. According to the exemplary method, a host system adapts an input/output interface of the guest system a to an input/output unit capability of a host system so as to support a service supported by an input/output unit supporting the input/output unit capability of the guest system using the at least one input/output unit of the host system.

Abstract: A keyboard equipped with switching interfaces includes a key set module, a circuit unit, a wired transmission interface, a wireless transmission interface and a switch unit. The key set module includes a plurality of keys depressible by users to trigger the circuit unit to generate a message signal. The circuit unit is electrically connected to the wired transmission interface and wireless transmission interface. The wired transmission interface is electrically connected to a transmission cable to output therethrough. The switch unit is electrically connected to the circuit unit and triggers the circuit unit to output the message signal to the wired transmission interface or wireless transmission interface according to user's actions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an input interface providing USB apparatus which is capable of providing an input interface for a variety of external devices in Bluetooth communication with the USB apparatus without a separate input means by connecting the USB apparatus to USB ports of a terminal and sharing an input means of the terminal with the external devices, and an interface providing method. The input interface providing USB apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention is capable of providing an input interface for a variety of external devices in Bluetooth communication with the USB apparatus without a separate input means by connecting the USB apparatus to USB ports of a terminal and sharing an input means of the terminal with the external devices, thereby providing excellent user convenience.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a portable computing device is provided. The accessory includes a keypad and a pedestal to house the control circuitry and provide mechanical stability for the accessory. The accessory includes a metal mass that performs dual functions of providing the mass for stability as well as acting as a ground connection for the keypad and other control circuitry. The accessory includes a connector for interfacing with a portable computing device and an additional connector for interfacing with an additional accessory.

Abstract: A memory card of one published standard, such as the Multi-Media Card (MMC) or Secure Digital Card (SD), is modified to include the function of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) according to another published standard. The controller of the memory card communicates between electrical contacts on the outside of the card and both the memory and the SIM. In one specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current Plug-in SIM card with a few external contacts added to accommodate the memory controller and data memory. In another specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current SD card, including external contacts.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for adapting an input/output interface. According to the exemplary method, a host system adapts an input/output interface of the guest system to an input/output unit capability of a host system so as to support a service supported by an input/output unit supporting the input/output unit capability of the guest system using the at least one input/output unit of the host system.

Abstract: A text entry system for an electronic device comprising: an input subsystem receives user input operations, interprets them as letters, characters, symbols, commands or functions, where the said received user operations interpreted as letters are comprising: (1) single letter operations that select any possible letter from the alphabet, (2) letter group operations that select a group of possible letters from the alphabet; and a text prediction subsystem receives a sequence of the said single letter entries and letter group entries, and produces a list of possible words the user intends to enter based on a priori database of words; and a word processing subsystem, receives the said list of possible words, displays them to the user, receives the user selection of the desired word and further processes the text entry as required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote device management system for managing a plurality of remote devices (i.e., computers, servers, networking equipment, etc.) from one or more user workstations. The present invention discloses a scalable, multi-channel keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) over Internet Protocol (IP) (KVMoIP) management system. The system can be used in a variety of configurations and is easily tailored to the user's needs. The system also enables a user to remotely manage a variety of devices via a common user interface reached over a single IP address.

Abstract: Systems, methods and products directed toward switching device components between multiple operating environments available on an information handling device. One aspect includes switching operation of an information handling device between at least two operating environments responsive to a trigger event, the at least two operating environments comprising a primary and a secondary operating environment; and switching one or more device components from one of the at least two operating environments to the other of the at least two operating environments via a virtual switch operation facilitated by one or more embedded controllers disposed within the information handling device responsive to switching between the at least two operating environments. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A KVM switch apparatus with bridging function includes a processor with a keyboard connection interface and a mouse connection interface; a keyboard/mouse switching circuit; a USB bridge unit and at least one computer interface unit electrically connected to at least one computer. The keyboard/mouse switching circuit and the USB bridge unit are selectively connected, whereby a switching of bridging channels is provided between at least two computers.

Abstract: A switching device for automatically sharing a pointing input device between a plurality of computers is described. The switching device includes an input for receiving relative pointer position data from the pointing input device and a plurality of outputs, each connectable to a respective one of a plurality of computers. A controller receives the input relative position data and converts the relative pointer position data to absolute pointer position data. Which of the plurality of computers to route input data to is determined based on the absolute pointer position data. Input data is routed to one of the plurality of computers so that a cursor position on a display device of the computer can be controlled by the pointing input device.

Abstract: A panel adjustment method is executed on a host to adjust settings of a panel connected to the host through a serial bus. The method determines whether the panel is supported by the host. When the panel is supported by the host, the settings of the panel is read from a database of the host to accordingly set the panel. It is further determined whether the panel is correctly set or not. When the panel is correctly set, it is further determined whether the panel is of a frame buffer mode or not. When the panel is of a frame buffer mode, it is determined whether a header file generation is required or not. When the header file generation is required, the settings and a panel name are included in an include file. The include file is compiled to thereby generate a binary file which is loaded into the panel.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for capability identification for accessories coupled with a mobile computing device. During capability identification an accessory can request capability information from a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the accessory can specifically request capability information associated with a specific lingo. In response, the mobile computing device can respond with a message that indicates the capabilities of the mobile computing device that are supported. In some embodiments, the capabilities can be those capabilities associated with the specified lingo. In some embodiments, if the mobile computing device does not support a lingo, then the mobile computing device can respond to the request from the accessory with a negative acknowledgement.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a computer program product, device, and method. In an example method, at least one of one or more processors of a device including one or more wired connectors and a wireless communication device receive a video output from a computing device via at least one of one or more wired connectors. At least one of the one or more processors send the video output to a wireless-enabled device via the wireless communication device using a wireless communication protocol. At least one of the one or more processors receive a keyboard or mouse input from the wireless-enabled device via the wireless communication device using the wireless communication protocol. At least one of the one or more processors send the keyboard or mouse input to the computing device via at least one of the one or more wired connectors.

Abstract: An approach for automatically sharing a tape drive in a heterogeneous computing environment that includes a first computer and second computer is presented. The first computer receives a message that includes a shared tape drive identifier, a source port identifier of the second computer, and a reservation status change for the tape drive. Based on the tape drive identifier, the first computer determines that the tape drive is connected to the first computer. The source port identifier is determined to not identify any host bus adapter installed in the first computer. In response to the first computer determining that the reservation status change indicates a reservation or a release of the tape drive for the second computer, the first computer sets the tape drive offline or online, respectively, in an application executing in the first computer.

Abstract: Keypads are described which are row similar to a standard telephone keypad though they have a different number of columns of base-letter-assigned keys than the standard to which they are related. Smooth sequences of such row-similar keypads are exhibited. Keypads which support both row-similar telephone keypad layouts and reduced layouts corresponding to typewriter standards are disclosed. It is shown how to combine various structural and statistical limitations with row similarity. It is also shown how to embed a row-similar digit layout in row-similar base letter layouts, and how to beneficially provide negative space between keys, construct pseudo standards, and extend or reduce desktop standards or pseudo standards while obeying structural or typability constraints.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus capable of simultaneously executing a reproduction function of content data and a communication function with an, external apparatus includes a reproduction section configured to execute the reproduction function, a communication control section configured to execute the communication function using a communication section, an operation input allocation section configured to allocate an operation input from a first operation section to the reproduction function or the communication function, an operation input acquisition section configured to acquire an operation input from a second operation section, and a display control section configured to cause a display section to display information relating to the reproduction function or information relating to the communication function.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plug to couple the apparatus to a display device, a first receptacle to receive a first media device containing image data for display on the display device and an imaging processor coupled to the plug and the first receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for implementing one or more individual pressure sensitive keys that each support multiple native scan codes, with each scan code corresponding to a unique pressure level output. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in one exemplary embodiment to allow users to leverage the capability of a variable pressure keyboard by providing an information handling system having individual variable pressure keys that are each capable of outputting a different macro or multi-key sequence per key pressure level sensed.

Abstract: Keyboard, mouse and video (KVM) capture session architecture that includes command center forensics. That is, redirector hardware (HW) and a command center forensics (CCF) appliance. The redirector HW includes a computer interface module (CIM) with a computer readable encoded media. The CIM is configured to record at least one KVM session. The computer readable encoded media is configured to instruct sending an identical copy of the recorded at least one KVM session to the CCF appliance. The CCF appliance being configured to store and playback the identical copy.